Early intervention during the first three years of life is crucial for children with developmental disabilities to optimise developmental outcomes but access to services can be limited by geographical distance and resource constraints. Telehealth can help overcome these barriers. This systematic review synthesises existing research on the effectiveness and implementation of telehealth interventions in infants and toddlers (aged 0–3 years) who are at risk of or diagnosed with developmental disabilities. 

Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies involved caregiver-child dyads, with child ages ranging from 5 to 37 months and having or at risk of autistic spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and other conditions. Telehealth demonstrated comparable or superior effectiveness to traditional in-person methods in two studies. However, the focus on specific conditions and limited research on cognitive development were notable gaps.

The authors conclude telehealth can be a viable alternative to traditional in-person early interventions for young children who have developmental disabilities and their families. It enhances accessibility and interactions between families and providers at a distance while promoting family-centered care. Challenges exist, including those of technological literacy, and the lack of research on cognitive outcomes should be addressed. Future work should explore more comprehensive interventions, including multidisciplinary approaches and expanded family outcomes, to solidify the role that telehealth plays in early intervention.